Images Dated 18th September 2003

SEM of whole T-cell infected with HIV

Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a whole T-lymphocyte infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the causative agent of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The T- lymphocyte is from a culture cell line known as H9. An Infected T-cell typically has a lumpy appearance with irregular rounded surface protrusions. Small spherical virus particles visible on the surface are in the process of budding away from the cell membrane. Depletion of the population of T4 lymphocytes through HIV infection is the main reason for the destruction of the immune system in AIDS. Magnification: x15, 000 at 6x5-inch size

© NIBSC/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Northern Somalia & Gulf of Aden from space STS-55

The Horn of Africa. View of northern Somalia and the Gulf of Aden, seen from space. The Somali provinces of Sanaag, Bari and Nugaal are in this image. Two pale valleys are seen: the Dhuudo at centre and the Nugaal at centre left. Both of these valleys have rare seasonal water flows. The tip of Somalia is Cape Guardafui; to the south of this is the small peninsula of Raas Xaafuun, the easternmost point in Africa. To the north of Somalia is the Gulf of Aden. In the far distance are the light desert and dark mountains of Yemen in the south of the Arabian Peninsula. This image was taken by the crew of Shuttle Columbia during Mission STS-55 of 26 April to 6 May 1993

© NASA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY